Are you losing your hair? You're not alone.

If you're a man, hair loss can begin as early as your teens or 20s, though it's usually more noticeable during and after middle age. About half of men will experience some hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) by the time they're 50.

Women lose hair, too. In women, hair loss can develop any time after puberty — though it's more common in postmenopausal women. It's estimated that between 20 and 30 percent of women experience hair loss.

Whether you're a man or a woman, there are treatments that can help you regain some of your hair — or at least minimize further loss.

Which treatment is right for you?

The success of hair loss treatments varies from person to person. As a rule, starting treatment early delivers the best results.

Be cautious when considering your options. Many products that claim to produce stellar results are expensive and unproved. Ask your doctor for advice.

Here are the most current options:

Medications. Several medications have been shown to be effective for slowing hair loss, or even regrowing hair. Talk to your doctor about which one might be right for you.

• Minoxidil (Rogaine) is approved for men and women with hereditary hair loss. It comes as a liquid or foam that you rub on your scalp and is usually the first-choice treatment. You typically use minoxidil for a year before assessing your results.
• Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription medication approved to treat male-pattern hair loss. You take it as a daily pill. As with minoxidil, full effects may take over a year.
• Dutasteride (Avodart) is actually approved to treat an enlarged prostate — but because it's shown success for hair loss, doctors may use it for androgenetic alopecia.
• Spironolactone (Aldactone). In women with high androgen levels, prescription anti-androgen medications, like spironolactone (and others), may be helpful.

Hair transplant surgery. During a hair transplant session, a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon harvests patches of skin, each containing hair, from the back or side of your scalp. These patches are then implanted into the bald sections.

Laser therapy. A device that looks like a brush or comb delivers laser light over your scalp several times a week. Some research has shown that laser therapy improves hair density, but more studies are needed to show long-term effects.

Hair products. Volumizing hair products or styling techniques can make your hair look fuller. Tinted creams and powders also may help minimize the color difference between your hair and scalp. Wigs and hairpieces can effectively cover hair loss. Ask your dermatologist or hair stylist for high-quality resources.

When hair loss is more than hair loss

If you experience hair loss that's unexpected, patchy or seems unusual, talk to your doctor. Some medical conditions — like thyroid disease or lupus — can cause hair loss. Hair loss can also be a side effect of certain drugs, such as those to treat cancer, gout, arthritis, depression, heart problems or high blood pressure.